Jared Remy denies killing girlfriend, a Taunton High graduate

The son of Boston Red Sox broadcaster and former second baseman Jerry Remy denied in a newspaper interview that he killed his girlfriend and insisted he still loves her.

The son of Boston Red Sox broadcaster and former second baseman Jerry Remy denied in a newspaper interview that he killed his girlfriend and insisted he still loves her.

Jared Remy talked to a reporter for the Boston Herald during jail visiting hours Sunday in what is believed to be his first media interview since his arrest in the death of Taunton High School graduate Jennifer Martel.

When asked whether he killed her, he said, “No. That’s ridiculous. How dumb would I have to be? I loved her, I still love her.”

Remy stabbed Martel, 27, during a dispute at their Waltham apartment on Aug. 15, according to prosecutors. He pleaded not guilty in district court and is to be arraigned Tuesday in superior court. He is being held without bail.

Arianna, Remy’s 5-year-old daughter with Martel, remains in state custody, but he says she is happy. Both sets of grandparents have petitioned for custody of the girl.

Remy, 35, said he would prefer his daughter live with his parents, because of their financial means and because she would be closer to him. Martel’s parents live in Virginia.

His parents have not visited him in jail, but he said he talked with them on the phone.

Remy appeared upbeat and was enthusiastic about his chances for acquittal, according to the Herald story published Monday, using phrases such as “when I get out.”

He also deflected criticism of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, who came under fire when it was revealed that Remy was released two days before the slaying, with the prosecution’s consent, after his arrest on a prior assault charge.